Overview
You will need to complete the following procedures before turning in your computer or before having your computer re-imaged or upgraded. Following these steps will prevent potential complications.
- Back up your computer data to avoid losing files and bookmarks
- Back up and restore Outlook email signatures
- Back up Outlook data files (.pst files)
Backing up Data
USF IT recommends that you back up your computer’s data to Box. It is not recommended to save anything on the local computer.
Files
- Log into https://usf.account.box.com/login.
- Click the New button in the upper right.
- Click Folder in the drop down menu to create a folder where you can save files.
- Name your folder.
- Click Create.
- Click on your new folder.
- Click Upload to copy files or folders from your computer.
The following is a list of common places users store files on their computer:
- Desktop
- Documents
- Music
- Pictures
- Videos
For more detailed information and instructions that include images on how to save files to Box visit the following:
- https://usfjira.atlassian.net/wiki/display/UHID/Box+-+Saving+User+Files+to+Box
- https://usfjira.atlassian.net/wiki/display/UHID/Box+-+How+to+Easily+Save+Desktop+Files+to+Box
To learn more about Box, please visit: https://usfjira.atlassian.net/wiki/display/UHID/Box
Bookmarks
Create an account
The easiest way to save your bookmarks is to login to a preexisting account on your browser or create an account, which will allow you to save your bookmarks, history, and other settings to sync securely across all devices.
Export Bookmarks
If you choose not to create an account, you will need to export a file that contains your bookmarks, save the file to Box, then use the file to import them into your new or re-imaged computer.
For detailed instructions with images on how to complete this process in each web browser visit the following:
Back up and Restoring Outlook email Signatures
Multiple Signature Back up and Restore
For more detailed information and instructions that include images for backing up and recovering multiple email signatures, visit the following:
One Signature Restore
For more detailed information and instructions that include images for recovering one signature, visit the following after you receive your computer:
Back up Outlook Data Files (.pst files)
Outlook data files (.pst files) are used to store copies of messages and other items locally to your computer. With the advent of the Microsoft Exchange Server these items are now stored on a mail server in the cloud. If you need access to previously sent and received messages that were stored locally to your computer, you will need to back up these files and add them to your new computer.
USF IT does not support the use of these files. If you wish to load any PST/Outlook Data File back into Outlook, please submit a ticket to help@usf.edu for the Email team to discuss archiving options
For detailed information on how to back up Outlook data files visit the following:
Remote Desktop Connections
With the new Windows10 images being placed on the computers, you will no longer have the ability of remoting into that computer from other locations. There are some ways of being able to access some of the same materials you might need if you are working remote and not at your new office computer. Below are links to products USF provides that might help in these cases.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Connecting to the USF VPN will allow you to be able to be on the USF network when working remotely. To find more information on how to download and install this up on your remote device, please visit:
Apps.usf.edu (Application Gateway)
The Application Gateway is a virtualized environment where students, staff, and faculty can access software programs that cannot be provided as individual licenses. To learn more about this option, please visit:
If you require your new computer to have remote connection capability (RDP), please complete the survey located at: